The best budget laptops of 2016

Unlike giant computer companies like Apple, Dell or Microsoft, there's a list of great laptops at a decent price. Image Source: PC World

These days, when on a budget, laptop prices that can get to four figures are way out of reach. Needless to say, all the latest Microsoft’s laptops, Dells, HP’s and Apple’s Macs that make cameos in movies and customers dream of aren’t part of this list.

But don’t worry, the following are the top rated laptops on a budget. More affordable and yet quality options with good specs that can allow users to meet studies or work deadlines, browse the web, or even watch Netflix.

Regardless of their price, plenty of laptops can hold their ground when compared to high-end personal computers. Hewlett-Packard offers its customers with both types of the laptop to satisfy all needs. Close behind HP, there’s Asus with its double-trouble display, the Zenbook UX305, and the Chromebook Flip.

1. HP’s Spectre x360

For $800, HP’s Spectre x360 offers 128GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, 10 hours of runtime and Intel’s Core m3 processor, the company’s latest Skylake CPU. The Spectre has a 12-inch touch screen with 1,920 x 1,280 resolution, is almost the same size as the Surface Pro 3 and weighs 1.85 pounds.

With its detachable keyboard, the x2 can work in laptop and tablet modes. It has built-in Verizon 4G LTE mobile broadband (separate subscription needed), two reversible USB Type-C ports, a microSD reader, an 8-megapixel Intel’s RealSense 3D camera and two 5MP cameras for stereoscopic shots.

2. Asus Zenbook UX305

Arguably the best budget Ultrabook in the market right now, the Asus Zenbook UX305 packs 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD for just $700. Also packed with sixth-gen Intel Core M3-6Y30 processor (4M Cache, up to 2.2 GHz).

The Zenbook’s lithium-polymer battery lasts up to between 8 and 10 hours. Designed to be ultra-slim, it is one of the thinnest Ultrabook in town, the unit is less than 5-inch thick and weighs 2.6 pounds.

3. Asus Chromebook Flip

If looking for good, but low-end, then the Asus Chromebook Flip is the perfect match at only $249. The Hisense Chromebook at Wal-Mart is another option with a cost of $149.

But the best low-end Chromebook is the Flip. It has 360-degree articulation and with upgrades, to Chrome OS there’s room for its touch UI to improve.

The Flip is smaller than most Chromebooks with a 10.1-inch display but has superior IPS technology and a full HD resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. Albeit its all-metal body, it only weighs 2 pounds.

The Asus Chromebook Flip has two USB 2.0 ports, an SD card slot, HDMI, and an audio port. On the inside, the Flip is powered by a Rockchip 3288 CPU and offers 2GB of RAM.